Pediatric immobilizer

ABSTRACT

A pediatric spinal immobilization device and method for immobilizing a pediatric trauma patient are provided. The immobilization device in one embodiment is releasably secured to an adult-sized backboard, and in another embodiment is provided with a removably contained infant-sized backboard. The immobilization device provides body-straps mounted along a central section of the device, and individual appendage-restraints to permit removal of the body-straps without compromising control over the appendages of the injured patient. Compressible, crescent-shaped headblocks are tightly yet removably fastened to the immobilization device. A harness of the immobilization device helps secures the injured patient over an included adjustable elevation device and when used in conjunction with the headblocks, significantly reduces the risk of further injury from lateral and flexion movement of the head.

The present invention relates to a splinting device for spinalimmobilization and airway control of a pediatric trauma patient, andspecifically to an improved pediatric immobilizer having centrallymounted body-straps, individual appendage-restraints, compressiblecrescent-shaped headblocks, and a three-point harness to help secure apediatric trauma patient over an included adjustable device providingvariable levels of thoracic elevation and airway positioning.

Pediatric patients have a propensity for spinal cord injuries relatingto a proportionately large head-to-body mass ratio. This createsrelative cervical flexion when placed on a standard backboard forimmobilization. It is of paramount importance to keep the pediatricpatient in neutral cervical alignment as well as immobilized duringhandling and transportation to an appropriate medical facility.

The most common method of aligning a child's cervical spine is bystuffing towels or foam pads under the child for thoracic elevation.There is no efficient and standard means of determining the amount ofthoracic padding required for a pediatric patient under the age of eightyears, but medical studies have determined that somewhere in the rangeof 0.5 cm to 4.1 cm of elevation would be required. This wide elevationrange leaves the provider prefiguring and amending the pediatricimmobilizer in order to place a correct number of towels or pads underthe pediatric patient. This is inefficient and further increases thepotential for further cervical injury due to unnecessary cervicaldisturbance and/or incorrect positioning.

Currently, there is not an efficient and/or standardize means ofproviding safety through infant restraint during transport.Additionally, soft collars used to prevent undesired head movement, donot effectively immobilize the cervical spine of the pediatric patient.Cervical collars of semi-rigid material are difficult to fit youngpediatric patients. Without a perfect fit, such devices allowhyperextension and/or flexion of the neck of the pediatric patient.

Thus, there is a need for an efficient and standardized means ofconsistently providing proper spinal alignment and immobilization to apediatric patient that does not subject the pediatric patient to anincreased risk of neurological injury. Additionally, there is a need fora device that also prevents undesired head movement, immobilization, andcervical alignment for the infant patient which is too small for the useof a cervical collar, during transport.

The present invention is a pediatric immobilizer which can accommodatepediatric patients of different sizes. The pediatric immobilizer in afirst embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the “pediatric version”)provides a fabric cover for transporting a pediatric patient, from theage of about two months to eight years, suffering from a trauma to thehead, neck, or back. The cover slips over a conventional backboard, suchas the type used for rigid support to transport adult patients sufferingfrom a head, neck, and/or back injuries. For infants under the age ofabout three months or about fifteen pounds, the pediatric immobilizer ina second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the “infant or neonatalversion”) maintains the same features as the pediatric version but issized to accommodate such infant patients. For such an arrangement,provided is a suitable infant backboard.

In the pediatric version, the cover of the pediatric immobilizer isremovably affixed to a conventional backboard using adjustablefasteners, which form fit the cover to the backboard. Because the coveris shorter than the length of the backboard, handles at the lower end ofthe backboard are exposed to permit gripping by paramedics. At the upperend of the backboard, paramedics may grip the corner handles throughcorner cutouts provided in the cover.

In the infant version, the infant backboard is inserted within the covervia an envelope opening. In one embodiment, the infant backboard is foampadded. In another embodiment, the infant backboard is provided with apair of holes in each long side. Additional holes that correspond tothose provided in the infant backboard are included in the cover.Together, these holes are used to accommodate preferably ball-loc pinsthat permit mounting of the infant backboard to an isolette. For thisembodiment, spring load latches or slots are provided on the sides ofthe isolette to engage the ball-loc pins thereby securely mounting theinfant immobilizer thereon. In still another embodiment, the coverand/or interior board of the infant immobilizer and the isolettemattress may include hook and loop fastening material to provide asecure mounting of the immobilizer.

Accordingly, it should be appreciated to those persons skilled in therelated art that other configurations and arrangements of mechanicalfasteners may be provided in order to mount securely the infantimmobilizer to the isolette. The advantage of such an arrangement isthat an infant patient need not be removed from the pediatricimmobilizer in order to be placed in the isolette, thereby minimizingthe risk of further injury to the infant patient.

It is to be appreciated that the infant immobilizer along with providinginfant cervical immobilization can also be used as a safety restraint inconjunction with isolette transports. As such, the device is andeffective an standardized means for providing safety through infantrestraint during transport by using a multi-point securing system toprotect and restrain the neonate in the event of untoward motion duringtransport. The head blocks serve to maintain endotracheal positioning bycontrolling lateral head movement which may otherwise displace the tubeeither into the main-stem bronchus or up into the pharynx compromisingairway maintenance.

The thoracic pneumatic elevating devise may be used to position theinfant with head extension to move the tongue and epiglottis away fromthe posterior pharyngeal wall during endotracheal insertion. After tubeinsertion, the thoracic elevating devise prevents flexion of the headand neck thus protecting the airway from occlusion. The thoracicelevating devise may also reduce the risk of obstructive apnea in thenon-intubated patient.

In both versions of the pediatric immobilizer, headblocks are removablyaffixed to the cover, such as with hook-and-loop type fasteners, inorder to adjust their position such that they are snug to the patient'shead. The blocks are oppositely crescent shaped to curve around the sideof the patient's head, and engage the neck between the head andshoulders. The headblocks permit a degree of wrap to the parietal andmandibular regions to increase the surface area interface between thehead and headblocks. As such, the pediatric immobilizer is form fittingand in conjunction with the harness feature it uses counter-force toprevent undesired head, neck, and shoulder movement, and therebysignificantly reduces the risk of lateral rotation of the head.

The headblocks are soft and may be compressed so that a paramedic caninspect the pediatric patient's ear without removing the block away fromthe patient's head. The foam insert of each headblock may be removed viaan envelope opening in the headblock's cover material. Straps areprovided to surround the face of the patient and prevent movementthereof.

In both versions of the pediatric immobilizer, body straps are providedat three positions along the longitudinal axis of the patient's body tocomplete a nipple-waist-knee restraining procedure. The body straps arecentrally mounted to the cover to permit a tighter fit on the patient.Individual arm-restraints are provided on the pediatric version whichpermit the removal of the chest or abdominal straps during examinationor other procedures, without risking loss of control over the patient'sarms or comprising peripheral IV access.

A set of individual leg straps is provided which allows for sizing andprevents leg movement in the case of Intra-Osseous insertion orinfusion. All the above-mentioned straps use fasteners, such as forexample, hook-and-loop type fasteners, in order to be secured around thepatient's body. Finally, a three-point shoulder harness is providedwhich secures between the patient's legs to discourage caudal movementof the body. Additionally, the harness properly maintains the patient'sback in the thorax region over an inflatable bladder provided on thecover.

In both versions of the pediatric immobilizer, for enabling cervicalneutral alignment via thoracic elevation and opening an airway, aninflatable bladder is releasably secured to or removably contained in apocket on the front cover. The bladder when inflated allows a caregiverto raise or lower the thorax in small increments to align the externalauditory means with the shoulders as the guideline to providing neutralcervical alignment and optimal airway opening. It is to be appreciatedthat the system of headblocks, head straps, chin straps, chest straps,abdominal straps, arm straps, leg straps, shoulder harness and theinflatable bladder function to immobilize and correctly align thecervical spine of a pediatric patient.

When not in use, the cover of the pediatric version may be rolled into acompact form, and maintained as such by a protective wrap, whichencircles the rolled cover and affixes to itself. Additionally, in bothversions the inflatable bladder may be removed from the pocket, allowingfor its repair in the event of mechanical failure, or formachine-washing of the cover.

In one aspect of the invention, a spinal immobilization device for apediatric patient suffering from a trauma to the head, neck or back isprovided. The immobilization device comprises a cover having on a frontportion a first securing element, a plurality of releasably attachablebody straps each having a midsection mounted along a central section ofthe front portion to provide a degree of wrap around the pediatricpatient, and at least a pair of releasably attachable arm and legrestraints. An elevation device on the front portion is also provided.The device further comprises a pair of compressible crescent-shapedheadblocks each having, substantially covering on a side, a secondsecuring element. With the second securing elements, the headblocks canbe tightly yet removably secured to the first securing element in alocation that significantly minimizes the risk of further injury due toundesirable lateral and flexion head movement of the pediatric patientwhen secured to the device. A harness is also provided wherein a firstend is mounted along the central section of the front portion such thatthe harness passes between the legs of the pediatric patient whenaccommodated in the device. Second and third ends of the harness aremounted to the front portion such that the harness provides a degree ofwrap to the headblocks and helps maintain the pediatric patient on theelevation device when accommodated in the device.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of supporting a pediatricpatient on an adult sized backboard, having a plurality of hand slots,is provided. The method comprises securing a pliable cover having afront portion and a rear portion to the backboard with releasablyadjustable attachments of the cover looping through a pair of the handslots of the backboard. Additionally, at least one pair of releasableside flaps are provided to provide a degree of wrap of the cover to thebackboard. The pediatric patient is secured to the cover using aplurality of centrally mounted body straps providing a degree of wraparound a least the chest, waist, and knees of the pediatric patient, anda plurality of individual appendage restraints such that the body strapsmay be removed without losing control over the pediatric patient'sappendages. A pair of compressible, crescent-shaped headblocks work inconjunction with the harness, forehead, and chin strap to significantlyreduce the risk of further injury due to undesirable flexion and lateralmovement of the patient's head. Each of the pair of headblocks has on arear side a second mating surface such that it is tightly yet removablyattached to the first mating attachment. The method further comprisesinflating an inflatable bladder provided to the cover to provide varyingdegrees of elevation to obtain neutral cervical alignment and/or optimalairway opening by elevating the pediatric patient's back in the thoraxregion, and adjusting a three-point harness provided on the cover tohelp retain the pediatric patient on the inflatable bladder and toprovide a degree of wrap to the headblocks.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentin light of the description of the invention embodied herein.

The following detailed description of the embodiments of the presentinvention can be best understood when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pediatric spinal immobilizationdevice according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are front and back perspective views, respectively, ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1 attached to an adult-sized backboard.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are perspective views of other embodiments of apediatric spinal immobilization device according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 a,showing an immobilized infant patient properly restrained in cervicalradiographic-neutral alignment.

FIG. 5 is a side section view taken through an upper portion of thepediatric spinal immobilization device of the present invention showingan immobilized pediatric patient properly restrained in cervicalradiographical-neutral alignment.

A method and apparatus for immobilizing a pediatric patient sufferingfrom a trauma to the head, neck, and/or back are described. For a firstembodiment of the invention, reference is made to FIGS. 1, 2 a, and 2 b.A front perspective view of a pediatric spinal immobilization device 2is illustrated by FIG. 1. The device 2 of this embodiment provides asurface in the form of a fabric cover 4 on which to immobilize apediatric patient, preferably from the age of about two months to eightyears, suffering from a trauma to the head, neck and/or back. The cover4 has a front portion 3 and a rear portion 5 which fit over and under,in a clamshell fashion, a flat, rigid panel 10, such as illustrated inFIGS. 2 a and 2 b.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, the panel 10 preferably used with thisembodiment is provided with a plurality of slots 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d,12 e, 12 f, 12 g, and 12 h, adjacent its perimeter edge which serves ashand receptacles for the hands of the rescuers. For other embodiments,the panel 10 may be provided with other types of hand receptacles orgripping surfaces.

A pair of the slots at an end portion of the panel 10, such as 12 a and12 d, serves to create adjustable anchoring points for straps 6 a and 6b provided at both ends of the cover 4 such that cover 4 may be securedto the flat, rigid panel 10. As illustrated, each strap 6 a and 6 bloops through an associated anchoring point, slots 12 a and 12 d, andreattaches to itself by a hook and latch or other appropriate fasteningsystem 7 a and 7 b, respectively. Because the cover 4 fits over thepanel 10 in a clamshell fashion, cutouts 9 a and 9 b are provided in thecover 4. The cutouts 9 a and 9 b expose the slots 12 e, 12 f, 12 g, and12 h at the corners of the panel 10 at the opposite end portion of thepanel 10 when the cover 4 is fitted over the panel 10, as shown by FIGS.2 a and 2 b. Accordingly, the ability of rescuers to use a majority ofthe slots located in the end portions of the panel 10 for control isunaffected by the cover 4 when fastened thereon.

The panel 10 in the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, ispreferably a conventional, adult-sized backboard which serves as themajor supporting device for the patient's body. The panel 10 may beconstructed from several suitable, non-porous materials such as coatedwood, plastic, fiberglass, composites, or cellular type materials. Theprimary factors for material selection are ease of manufacture, strengthof material, expense, and washing ability. Additionally, the panel 10may be radio-transparent.

Typically, the width of the panel 10 differs from one manufacturer toanother, and can range from about 16 to about 19 inches. Therefore, inorder to provide a degree of wrap of the cover 4 over a panel 10 ofvarying widths, the front portion 3 of the cover 4 is provided with aplurality of side flaps 13 a, 13 b, 13 c, 13 d, 13 e, and 13 f.Releasable fastening elements 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d, 15 e, and 15 f arelocated on the cover 4, and on each side flap such that the flaps 13 a,13 b, 13 c, 13 d, 13 e, and 13 f may be properly secured to the cover.For illustration purposes, the releasable fastening elements are shownon the rear portion 5 of the cover 4, but may also be convenientlyprovided on the front portion 3 of the cover 4. Preferably, thereleasable fastening elements 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d, 15 e, and 15 f areloop patches, such that a corresponding hook patch 17 (shown only onside flap 13 cis provided on a side of each side flap 13 a, 13 b, 13 c,13 d, 13 e, and 13 f in order to secure the flaps to the cover 4 over arange of positions that provide a snug fit of the cover 4 to the panel10. Those persons skilled in the art will recognize that other types offastening elements may be used, such as adjustable straps with quickrelease buckles, zippers, and the like, in order to provide a snug andsecure fit of the cover 4 to the panel 10.

To secure the pediatric patient to the front portion 3 of the cover 4, aplurality of flexible body straps 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c are provided tothe cover 4, as illustrated by FIG. 1. A midsection of each body strap14 a, 14 b, and 14 c is secured along a central section 21 of the cover4 in order to provide a degree of wrap of the body straps around thepediatric patient. Preferably, the body straps 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c areprovided at three positions along the longitudinal axis of the patient'sbody to complete a nipple-waist-knee restraining procedure. Inparticular, strap 14 a secures the shoulder and chest area of thepatient, strap 14 b secures the abdominal/pelvic region of the patient,and strap 14 c secures the patient's legs. It is to be appreciated thatthe body straps 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c as positioned, discourage caudalmovement of the pediatric patient and provide for the safe transport toan appropriate medical facility. Hook-and-loop fastening materials orother appropriate fastening elements are located at the free ends ofeach strap 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c, such that each body strap 14 a, 14 b,and 14 c may properly reattach to itself in order to tightly yetreleasably secure the body of the pediatric patient.

Headblocks 16 and 18 are movably affixed to the front portion of thecover 4, proximate the cutouts 9 a and 9 b, by adjustable straps 17 aand 17 b, respectively. The headblocks 16 and 18 may be positioned overa wide range of locations on a first securing element 19 a. Acorresponding second securing element 19 b is provided to a significantextent on a side of each of the headblocks 16 and 18, such that when thefirst and second securing elements come into contact, the headblocks arefirmly but releasably secured to the front portion 3 of the cover 4.Preferably, the securing elements 19 a and 19 b are hook-and-loopfastening materials, with the first securing element 19 a provided tosubstantially cover the area between the cutouts 9 and the chest-bodystrap 14 a from edge to edge. With this area covered by the firstsecuring element 19 a, the headblocks 16 and 18 may be fittedefficiently and easily by emergency personnel around patients withvarious head sizes.

In addition to the convenience of a wide range of locating positions forthe headblocks 16 and 18, the patient's head is also properly restrainedby the crescent-shape design of the headblocks 16 and 18. Each of theheadblocks 16 and 18 are formed of a fabric cover having a compressiblefoam insert which may be compressed so that a paramedic can inspect thepediatric patient's ear without removing the block away from thepatient's head. The foam inserts of headblocks 16 and 18 may be removedfrom a perpendicular envelope opening (not shown) provided in therespective fabric cover.

In addition, the headblocks 16 and 18 are crescent shaped to curvearound the sides of the patient's head and engage the neck between thehead and shoulders. In this manner, the blocks 16 and 18 permit a degreeof wrap to the parietal and mandibular regions to increase the surfacearea interface between the head and headblocks thereby providing astable immobilizing arrangement which significantly prevents undesirablelateral movement of the head. The headblocks 16 and 18, when placedfirmly against the patient's head and shoulders and used in conjunctionwith the forehead and chin straps, significantly reduce the risk offurther injury from lateral and flexion movement of the head.

Head and chin straps 20 and 22, respectively, are further provided tostabilize and minimize the movement of the patient's head. Inparticular, the head strap 20 folds over headblock 16, the patient'sforehead area, and headblock 18 to properly restrain the patient's upperhead area. The ends of the head strap 20 are releasably fastened to theheadblocks 16 and 18 at points 24 and 26, respectively, preferably viahook-and loop fastening materials or other appropriate fasteningelements. Chin strap 22 folds over headblock 16, the patient's chinarea, and headblock 18 to properly restrain the patient's lower headarea and chin. The ends of the chin strap 22 are fastened to theheadblocks 16 and 18 at points 28 and 30, respectively, preferably viahook-and-loop fastening materials or other appropriate fasteningelements.

A three-point harness 32 is provided to snugly fit over the patient, andto provide a degree of wrap to the pair of headblocks 16 and 18. Theharness 32 has a first adjustable strap 33 and a second strap 35. Thefirst adjustable strap 33 is attached at its ends to the cover 4,adjacent the first attachment surface 19 a of the cover 4, and isconfigured to extend over each headblock 16 and 18 and the shoulders ofthe patient. The second strap 35 is attached within the central section21 of the cover 4, between the abdomen and leg body straps 14 b and 14c, respectively, such that it extends from underneath and between thelegs of the pediatric patent. Preferably, a quick release fitting 37 orother fastening element is provided to adjust the length of strap 35 andto releasably engage a sliding buckle 41 or other fastening element. Thesliding buckle 41 when attached to the fitting 37 pulls the first strap33 down over the headblocks 16 and 18 and the shoulders of the patient,in a v-shape, and provide a degree of wrap of the harness to headblocks16 and 18, which is best shown by FIG. 2 a.

To minimize the risk of losing control over the limbs or compromisingperipheral intravenous access of a pediatric patient during examinationor other procedures, individual appendage restraints are provided to thecover 4. In particular, arm restraints 34 a and 34 b are provided topermit the removal of the chest and/or abdomen body straps 14 a and 14b, respectively. Additionally, a set of leg restraints 39 a, 39 b, 39 c,39 d,39 e and 39 f are provided to substantially restrain leg movementof the patient, and to accommodate patients of various lengths.Hook-and-loop fastening material or other appropriate fastening elementsare located on the free ends of each restraint such that each respectiverestraint may properly reattach to itself in order to tightly yetreleasably secure a respective appendage of the pediatric patient. It isto be appreciated that the restraint system of the pediatric spinalimmobilization device 2 which includes body straps 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c,harness 32, and arm and leg restraints 34 and 39, respectively, servesto discourage caudal movement of the pediatric patient's body in orderto minimize the risk of further injury.

A front perspective view of another embodiment of the pediatric spinalimmobilization device 2 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 a.In this embodiment, the same features that were mentioned with respectsto the embodiment of FIG. 1 are labeled with like numbers, and forconvenience, only the differences between in this embodiment and theFIG. 1 embodiment will be discussed.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 a, the spinal immobilizationdevice 2 is sized such that an infant or neonatal patient under the ageof about two months or about fifteen pounds may be secured in a cervicalneutral position double in situations of potential neurologicalcompromise subsequent to trauma. It is also to be appreciated that theneonatal embodiment also may function as a securing and restrainingsystem to encourage safe transport by caregivers using a cart or anisolette.

For this embodiment, a flat, rigid infant backboard 43 is sized to fitcompletely within the fabric cover 4, via an envelope opening, indicatedby dashed-line 45, provided in the cover 4. The infant backboard 43 maybe padded, such as by the use of a polymeric foam. Preferably, thedimension of the cover 4 is from about 29.5 cm in width, about 60 cm inlength, and about 1.75 cm in height. It is to be appreciated that thedimensions of the infant backboard 43 are slightly less than the cover 4in order to be contained therein. The infant backboard 43 is securedwithin the cover 4 in a conventional manner, such as hook-and-loop,snaps, zippers, buttons, and the like. Preferably, the infant backboard43 is radio-transparent. The infant backboard 43 may be removed fromcover 4, such that both can be cleaned or/and replace when necessary.

In another embodiment illustrated by FIG. 3 b, the cover 4 and theinfant backboard 43 may be provided with a pair of holes 50 in each longside 52 and 54, and sized to fit within the interior well diameter of aconventional isolette 58. These holes 50 may be used to accommodateball-loc pins 56 that permit mounting of the infant backboard to theisolette 58. The advantage of such an embodiment is that an infant neednot be removed from the immobilizer device 2 in order to be placed inthe isolette 58, thereby minimizing the risk of further injury to theinjured patient. Another advantage of such an embodiment is the safetyappreciated by the board and cover locking into the isolette with thepatient secured to the board and cover in the event of untoward motionduring ground and/or air transport.

For the neonatal embodiment, spring load latches or slots 60 provided onsides 62 of the isolette 58 engage the ball-loc pins 56 to securelymount the infant backboard 43 thereon. In still another embodiment, thecover 4 and the isolette mattress (not shown) may include hook and loopfastening material to accomplish the same. It should be appreciated bythose persons skilled in the related art, that other configurations andarrangements of securing elements may be provided in order to mountsecurely the cover 4 and the infant backboard 43 to the isolette 58.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an infant 100 properly restrainedin the spinal immobilization device 2As shown, the body straps 14 a and14 b are criss-crossed over the top of the infant's chest and body toprovide for a firm fit such that the infant 100 may not wiggle or squirmout from under the body straps. With body strap 14 c and leg restraints39 a and 39 b placed firmly around the infant's waist and legs,respectively, the nipple-waist-knee restraining procedure is completed.Added control over the movement of the infant 100 is provided by holdingfirmly the infant's arms with the arm restraints 34 a and 34 b. Asmentioned, the use of the arm restraints 34 a and 34 b permit the bodystraps 14 a and 14 b to be removed during examination, such as, forexample, to administer intravenous therapy or to measure blood pressure,without risking further injury to the infant by restraining anyside-to-side or twisting motions. However, for other embodiments, thearm and leg straps may not be provided. Additionally, with theheadblocks 16 and 18 properly placed around the infant's head, theincreased contact surface area from the headblocks' crescent shape andcompressible foam material provide a slight separating force between theinfant's head and shoulders, thereby minimizing undesirable lateral andflexion movement of the patient's head.

In the embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 3, the device 2 includesan elevation device, indicated by dashed line 36. The elevation device36 and its use is best shown by FIG. 5, illustrating a side section viewof the upper portion of the spinal immobilization device 2 immobilizingan injured pediatric patient in a proper cervical radiographic-neutralalignment, with the patient's back in the thorax region elevated toproperly open an airway. In particular, the elevation device 36 permitsa caregiver to raise or lower the thorax in small increments to alignthe external auditory meatus with the shoulders as the guideline toproviding neutral cervical alignment and optimal airway opening. Theelevation device 36 comprises an inflatable bladder 37 and an inflationdevice 38 in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder 37 througha tube 40. The inflatable bladder 37, such as the type provided by ablood pressure cuff, is contained within a compartment or pouch 42preferably provided integrally with the fabric cover 4.

The inflatable bladder 37, when inflated as shown, allows a paramedic tospace the thorax of the pediatric patient a sufficient distance from thebackboard to prevent downward flexure of the patient's head toward thechest, and thereby maintain an open airway. Accordingly, this device isparticularly useful in elevating the chest and upper back of a supinepatient relative to the patient's head to open the patient's airway forCPR. It is to be appreciated that the system of headblocks 16 and 18,head straps 20, chin straps 22, body straps 14, harness 32, andinflatable bladder 36, functions to immobilize and correctly align thecervical spine of a pediatric patient. In particular, the harness 32functions to retain the patient, proximate the thoracic spine, overinflatable bladder 37.

The inflation device 38 includes an air bulb 44 and anoperator-controlled vent valve 46 to control inflation and deflation ofthe bladder 37. Accordingly, the range of about 0.5 cm to greater than 4cm of elevation of a patient's back in the thorax region can be easilyobtained and adjusted by inflating or deflating the bladder 37. With theaddition of the headblocks providing a slight separating force betweenthe head and shoulders, FIG. 5 demonstrates the effectiveness, safety,and novelty of the improved pediatric immobilizer. In FIG. 5, thepatient'cervical spine is in the proper neutral position, and thepatient is sufficiently immobilized with a fully open and unobstructedairway, thereby allowing for the safe and effective transportation ofthe patient to an appropriate medical facility.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It should beappreciated that various modifications and changes may be made theretowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

1. A spinal immobilization device for a pediatric patient suffering from a trauma to the head, neck or back, comprising: a cover having on a front portion thereof a first securing element, a plurality of releasably attachable body straps each having a midsection mounted along a central section of said front portion to provide a degree of wrap around the pediatric patient, and at least a pair of releasably attachable arm and leg restraints; an elevation device on said front portion; a pair of headblocks each having, substantially convering on a side, a second securing element; and a harness having first, second, and third ends, said first end being mounted along said central section of said front portion such that said harness passes between the legs of the pediatric patient when accommodated in said device, and said second and third ends being mounted to said front portion such that said harness provides a degree of wrap to said headblocks and helps maintain the pediatric patient on said elevation device when accommodated in said device.
 2. The spinal immobilization device of claim 1, further comprising a backboard securely fitted with said cover.
 3. The spinal immobilization device of claim 1, wherein said cover further comprises a rear portion and a plurality of straps provided at on each end of said front and rear portions said ends of said front and rear portion being releasably fastened together with fastening elements provided on said plurality of straps.
 4. The spinal immobilization device of claim 1, wherein said headblocks are made of a compressible material and are crescent-shaped and further include chin and head straps, each end of said chin and head straps being releasably mounted to said headblocks.
 5. The spinal immobilization device of claim 1, wherein said elevation device comprises an inflatable bladder on said front portion, and an inflation device in fluid communication with said bladder for inflating and deflating said bladder.
 6. The spinal immobilization device of claim 2, wherein said cover and said backboard include a plurality of holes accommodating pins configured to permit said device to be mounted to an isolette.
 7. The spinal immobilization device of claim 3, wherein said cover further includes a plurality of side flaps for providing a degree of wrap.
 8. The spinal immobilization device of claim 3, wherein said cover has cutout portions provided between said front and rear portions.
 9. A restraint system for immobilizing on an adult-sized backboard having a plurality of hand slots, a pediatric patient suffering front a trauma to the head, neck and/or back, said restraint system comprising: a cover having a front portion, a rear portion and a cutout portion to expose at least a portion of said hand slots of the back board, said front portion providing a first securing element, a plurality of side flaps, and a plurality of adjustable straps releasably attaching ends of said front portion and said rear portion together, said plurality of side flaps being releasably attachable to said rear portion and providing a degree of wrap of said cover to the adult sized back board; a plurality of body straps each having a midsection mounted to a central section of said front portion of said cover to provide a degree of wrap around the body of the pediatric patient; a plurality of individual appendage restraints mounted to the front portion of said cover such that said body straps may be removed without losing control over the pediatric patient's appendages: an inflatable bladder provided on said cover to elevate the back in the thorax region of the pediatric patient; an inflatable device in fluid connection with said bladder for inflating and deflating said bladder; a pair of headblocks each providing, substantially on a side, a second securing element, such that said headblocks may be tightly yet removably attached to said first securing element; and a three point harness mounted to said front portion of said cover such that said harness helps to maintain the pediatric patient on said inflatable bladder and provides a degree of wrap to said pair of headblocks.
 10. The restraint system of claim 9, wherein each of said headblocks is crescent-shaped and compressible.
 11. The restraint system of claim 10, wherein said headblocks further include chin and head straps, each end of said chin and head straps being releasably mounted to said headblocks.
 12. A spinal immobilization device for an infant patient under the age of about two months or about fifteen pounds suffering from trauma in the head, neck and/or back, said device comprising: a board appropriately sized for an infant; a cover providing a first securing element, said cover fitted over said board; an inflatable bladder provided on said cover for elevating the back in the thorax region of the infant patient; an inflation device in fluid connection with said bladder for inflating and deflating said bladder; a set of body straps each having a midsection mounted along a central section of said cover to provide a degree of wrap around the infant patient; a pair of headblocks each providing, substantially on a side, a second securing element, such that said headblocks may be tightly yet removably attached to said first securing element; and a harness to deter undesirable head, shoulder, and neck movement, wherein said harness has a first end secured along said central section of said cover such that said harness may pass between legs of the infant patient when accommodated in said device, and second and third ends mounted adjacent said first securing surface such that said harness passes over each shoulder of the infant patient when accommodated in the device.
 13. The spinal immobilization device of claim 12, wherein said pair of headblocks further includes releasably attachable chin and head straps.
 14. The spinal immobilization device of claim 12 wherein said inflation device includes a compression bulb and vent valve.
 15. The spinal immobilization device of claim 12 wherein said cover includes an integral pouch and said bladder is removably secured within said pouch.
 16. The spinal immobilization device of claim 12, wherein free ends of said body straps each are connected via hook-and loop fastening material.
 17. The spinal immobilization device of claim 12, wherein free ends of said straps are connected via hook-and loop fastening material.
 18. The spinal immobilization device of claim 12, wherein each of said headblocks is crescent-shaped and made of a compressible material.
 19. A method of supporting a pediatric patient on an adult-size backboard having a plurality of hand slots, said method comprising: fitting a cover providing a plurality of centrally mounted body straps, a plurality of individual appendage restraints, a three point harness, and a first mating surface; securing the pediatric patient to said cover using said plurality of centrally mounted body straps to provide a degree of wrap around at least the chest, waist, and knees of the pediatric patient, and a said plurality of individual appendage restraints such that said body straps may be removed without losing control over the pediatric patient's appendages; providing a pair of compressible, crescent-shaped headblocks, each of said headblocks having on a rear side a second mating surface such that each of said headblocks is tightly yet removably attached to said first mating surface; inflating an inflatable bladder provided onto said cover to open an airway by elevating the pediatric patient's back in the thorax region; and adjusting said three-point harness provided to said cover to position the pediatric patient on said inflatable bladder and to deter undesirable head, shoulder, and neck movement.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising securing the pediatric patient's head with a chin strap and a head strap that are releasably secured at their respective ends to said headblocks. 